Thank direct support professionals

September 13, 2013

Every year in September we take time to acknowledge a dedicated group of people known as direct support professionals. These individuals work directly to support people with developmental disabilities to live, work and play in community services. They often go unrecognized by the general public, but they are our friends, neighbors and community members who work all hours of the day, every day of the year to make life better for our most vulnerable citizens.

You may see one of these hard workers in the grocery store helping someone with their shopping, or accompanying someone to a religious event or to a local recreational facility. They also help people with disabilities with all aspects of daily living: bathing, dressing, feeding, accessing health care, managing their finances and much more. The work is hard, and the financial rewards are not always great, but the people who are direct support professionals are a dedicated group of employees. They help people live full meaningful lives, rich with hope and companionship, and they knowledge that they are a part of a caring community. They help enrich all of our lives.

If you happen to know or see someone who is a direct support professional, take the time to thank them for their work. Our society is a better place because of the work they do.